2003 Kia Sedona EX from North America

Summary:

You get what you pay for!

Faults:

1st problem at 3,000 miles. We bought the van in June and took a trip to Florida soon after. We woke up one morning and went outside and looked at the windshield and it suddenly had this huge crack emanating from the bottom of the passenger side up to middle of the window. The Florida dealer said that he would replace; however, we had to get back to Texas and couldn't wait for the FL dealer to get the windshield in. After having the Florida dealer talk to our dealer in Texas, Texas said they would replace it. When we got back to Texas, the dealer said "look here, see this itty bitty little spot on the black part of the bottom of the window. A rock must have hit it and caused it to crack. Call your insurance company." Insurance said it was defective windshield. Before argument could ensue for very long, we found this site and brought in reviews from others regarding the windshield. Dealer suddenly reversed their decision and decided not only to replace the windshield, but to replace it with a windshield manufactured by someone other than KIA. No repeat of problem.

2nd problem at 13,000 miles. Check engine light went on and valve on emission control replaced.

3rd problem at 15,000 miles and again at 16,000 miles. Sudden noise and then brakes stopped working briefly. I was able to stop the van using the brakes, but about 15 ft further than should have been necessary. Dealer comments, "we can't find anything wrong and KIA reports no recall or problem with the system". I just read from another review here that the ABS system has been recalled and I will take it back and push the issue.

4th problem from 85 miles to 16,000 miles. I read reviews here about others having problems utilizing the remote. I have to press my remote sometimes up to 8 times to get the doors to unlock. Also have the problem with the van suddenly locking after I have used the rear door. I will copy the review and take it in when I have them check out this problem.

5th problem from 2000 miles to 16,000 miles. The passenger side sliding door has been progressively difficult to open. My mother-in-law can't open the door from inside or outside the van. Sticks and tricky to open. Again, I read a review here that I will copy and take with me to the dealer to make them fix this one.

6th problem from 85 miles to 16,000 miles. Haven't read this one and have take it in and had fuse box cover "fixed" several times and replaced due to suddenly falling off while driving. Seems to fall off after going over railroad tracks or slight bump. Will stay on for about 3 days and then fall. Dealer says there have not been any consumer complaints about this one. Any one else out there with this one? It's annoying.

General Comments:

We bought a Sony DVD player and had it installed. We've had 4 different ones put in all replaced. Could our KIA be haunted? Just kidding.

I love the way it drives. It's comfortable for the driver and all passengers. We bought it with all the bells and whistles (and leather seats) and paid about 10,000 less for the KIA than what we would have had to pay for another van with similar features.

27th Jan 2005, 11:20

I had the same problem with fuse box cover. Used duct tape and the problem was fixed. Only have 10K miles and have not experienced most of the problems you have seen. The air conditioner does not do a good job in real hot weather. Have had it checked twice at the dealer and was told all the readings were in spec. My guess is that the A.C. unit is just underpowered for the size of the vehicle. We live in the North East so it is not a big problem for us. Gas mileage is not what was listed vehicle sticker. 15 MPG in the city. We don't do a lot of driving so it is not an issue. I do not have a remote, but the power-locks once hung up on me and I couldn't open it. I let it sit for a few minutes and it self-corrected? Don't have ABS, but the brakes act as if they are undersized. I make sure I watch my speed and always allow ample space between the vehicle in front of me. Thanks for info. on chattering brakes. I expect yours was a feedback ABS/sensor/computer problem. One of my issues is the turning radius for this vehicle. My Dodge Caravan had a much tighter turning radius so I have to keep reminding myself to allow enough room when making a turn. I do get my Se-dona faithfully serviced every 3 Months or 3,000 miles (whichever come first). One time they overfilled the oil. Make sure you check the levels every time you get it serviced. Also use dry gas in the winter because air in the gas line can trigger an expensive "Engine Check" light. see ya, don c.